Edo Assembly deputy Speaker resigns

In a surprising political development, the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has officially stepped down from her position.

The announcement was made during plenary on Monday in Benin City, the state capital.

Oligbi-Edeko, who represents the Esan North-East II Constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), cited the ongoing political realignments within the House as part of the reason for her resignation. Her exit from the deputy speakership follows a growing wave of defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has significantly shifted the power balance in the Assembly.

With the PDP now finding itself in the minority, her resignation underscores the deepening political crisis and the evolving landscape in Edo State politics.

Following her announcement, the House unanimously elected Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, an APC lawmaker representing Orhionmwon East, as the new Deputy Speaker.

In a gesture of appreciation, the Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, moved a motion urging the Assembly to ensure that all entitlements and privileges attached to the office of the Deputy Speaker be granted to Oligbi-Edeko. The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Hon. Charity Airobarueghian, received unanimous support from the chamber.

In her resignation letter, Oligbi-Edeko explained that her decision was driven by her commitment to justice, fairness, and equity across all constituencies in the state. She also expressed deep gratitude to the PDP leadership and members for trusting her with the opportunity to serve.

Members of the House praised her dedication, describing her as a passionate and principled public servant who brought integrity to the legislature.